Mormon Restoration

When one thinks about the word restoration more often than not the thought of an old house or car being brought back to its original look comes to mind. One of the definitions of restoration is the restitution of something taken away or lost. Mormon doctrine teaches that after the resurrected Jesus ascended into heaven, there came a time when the people became so wicked that they rejected the authority and power to act in God’s name (which power is known as the priesthood). This rejection took place when the apostles were martyred and men who took their places did so without authority. Once this took place, men began to fill the earth with their own teachings and interpretations of the Bible. This caused many to fall away from the church and religion in general. It was not until 1830 that the church which Jesus Christ had established while He was on the earth was restored again in its fulness. It was at that time, through revelation from God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, that direction and authority were given to Joseph Smith to restore the only true church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (frequently misnamed the “Mormon Church” by the media). In this sense of the word “true” we mean the only church which contains the complete gospel. Latter-day Saints recognize there is partial truth and much good in many Christian denominations, but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only one which has the complete teachings and authority of Jesus Christ. Today the “Mormon Church” is growing in interest, strength, and numbers.

The LDS Church is led by a modern-day prophet, who at present is President Thomas S. Monson. He has been chosen by God and receives unanimous support from the members of the Church. It is through him that Jesus Christ can ensure that the direction of His church is in line with what Heavenly Father desires. As the prophet directs and leads the Church through wisdom, inspiration, and revelation, the Church and its members will receive great blessings as they follow his guidance. In a world with so much confusion, especially in the world of religion, it is necessary that direct revelation from God be in place. This can only happen if there is one who holds the keys to have both the authority and power to act in God’s name: the priesthood. This is the same priesthood that the apostles and prophets held when Christ was here on the earth as we read about in the Holy Bible. It was necessary to restore the priesthood to the earth in order to restore Christ’s church.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, knowing that they are led by a modern-day prophet brings much peace and joy. There is a level of confidence that comes to those who believe in a prophet, knowing that they can receive necessary revelation that can help them navigate the current times. Since God loves all of His children and is the same yesterday, today, and will still be tomorrow, it seems only fair and necessary to have a prophet today, just as there was in ancient times. For those who are not members of the LDS Church, there is some hesitation to believe in the concept of a modern-day prophet and modern-day revelation. This comes often from those who take the Holy Bible as the only true scripture. This is where having additional words or scripture from Jesus Christ is important, to help eliminate confusion while at the same time establishing clarity in His words. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is a complementary book of scripture to the Bible and helps to establish Christ’s true word. Having a second witness of what Jesus Christ taught helps to eliminate some of the confusion that has cluttered the world we live in today.

In order to accept the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormon Church”), one must be willing to understand the connection between three very important aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ. First, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, live, and they speak to their chosen prophets through revelation. Second, the priesthood of God has been restored and only His chosen prophet holds all the keys to administer His Church on the earth today. And third, the Book of Mormon is truly another testament of Jesus Christ and is scripture. The linchpin holding these things together is the divinity of the calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He really did see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ; he was chosen to be the prophet to restore the true Church; and he translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.

As one is willing to sincerely desire to know that what the LDS Church believes, they can come to know for themselves. They must be willing to ask God through prayer and be sensitive to the feelings that come to their heart. Those feelings will be of peace, warmth, comfort, joy, happiness, and clarity.

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